Secretory function of isolated canine pancreas perfused with fluorocarbon emulsion

A canine gastroduodenopancreatic block was isolated and perfused ex vivo with fluorocarbon emulsion, oxygenated in vitro, and containing a simulated physiologic protein-free solution. Pancreatic and gastric secretions were collected. The pancreas was stimulated with secretin or cholecystokinin infused intra-arterially. The response of the pancreas to both hormones was essentially identical to that observed under in vivo conditions or during perfusion of the isolated pancreas with homologous blood. Secretin induced pancreatic secretion was rich in bicarbonate and poor in total protein. Cholecystokinin induced pancreatic secretion contained less bicarbonate and more protein than secretin induced secretion. Differences between secretory responses of the pancreas to these hormones were significant. Gastric secretion was alkaline and contained fluorocarbon emulsion. The results of this study demonstrated that, under the experimental conditions described, external secretory function of the isolated canine pancreas was preserved during perfusion of isolated organs with fluorocarbon emulsion.